Last time out...

Current standings...

How the points are awarded...

Just a quick reminder on how we allocate points to our match-by-match predictions:

Correct score = 3 points
Correct outcome (but not correct score) = 1 point
Correct first Sunderland goalscorer = 1 point
Possible deductions for being lazy and not submitting = to be decided

We also have our League One predictions here that went out on the site before the season began. We’ll keep an eye on these as we go along because, at the end of the season, this will come back into play when each correctly placed side adds five points to that person’s tally.

This week’s predictions...

Explain yourself...

Malcolm Dugdale says...

Lincoln City 0-2 Sunderland

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Elliot Embleton

Time to move on from recent disappointments and swimming pools. I think Embleton will be back in the side and looking to get in the goals this Tuesday. Johnson and the refreshed team will want to roll out a well-executed, regardless of how exuberant, win at Sincil Bank.

I am predicting that, as at Wigan, our strength of squad will prevail, and we will do a professional job with a 2-0 win with minimum fuss. Back on the horse lads.

Matthew Foster says...

Lincoln City 1-1 Sunderland

(Lincoln to win on penalties)

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Aiden O’Brien

Pizza Trophy? Completed it mate.

There will be plenty of changes tonight, with a lot of the young lads and fringe players likely to find themselves in the starting XI and on the bench. I honestly have very little interest in the outcome, as it feels more like a glorified friendly than a cup competition.

Lincoln have already qualified having played and won both their other group stage games, so I expect somewhat of a stale encounter where we cancel each other out. Aiden O’Brien to fire in our goal but miss his penalty to give Lincoln the extra point.

Sunderland v Tranmere Rovers - Papa John’s Trophy Final — Do we fancy a trip with the fans this year?

Jack Howe-Gingell says...

Lincoln City 1-2 Sunderland

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Alex Pritchard

Now that we’ve won this trophy, I’m really not that fussed about how far we progress in it. It’s a good opportunity to get some of the available squad minutes, as well as some of the youngsters such as Ellis Taylor.

It would be good to get a decent result to start the healing from our last scuba session at Fratton Park, and these minutes will be vital without a league game at the weekend.

Will Jones says...

Lincoln City 1-3 Sunderland

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Aiden O’Brien

A disappointing result at weekend should bring fighting performances from our fringe players. I fully expect us to win this (whether I want us to or not) and to bounce back easily.

Every player should be fighting to play this game so they can show Lee Johnson that they should start against Gillingham when we return.

Portsmouth v Sunderland - Sky Bet League One — Aiden O’Brien

Martin Wanless says...

Lincoln City 2-2 Sunderland

(Lincoln to win on penalties)

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ellis Taylor

It’ll be a much-changed team for tonight’s EFL Trophy game - I doubt anyone who started at the weekend will be in the team - and it’s a pure guessing game as to who’ll be involved in the starting XI.

One player I think will be is young Ellis Taylor, who was on the bench on Saturday, and I’m backing him to score first in a scoring draw.